In order to gain a deeper understanding of the current status, hotspots, and trends in research on BIM lightweight technology in China, the relevant documents on BIM lightweight technology included in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database from 2012 to 2023 are taken as the research object, and CiteSpace software is used for visual knowledge graph analysis. The research shows that: 1) the annual publication volume in the field of BIM lightweight technology has gone through three stages: slow growth period, rapid growth period, and sedimentation period; 2) Domestic construction enterprises are the main research institutions, and cooperation between various research institutions and core authors needs to be strengthened; 3) The development trend of research is significantly influenced by policies; 4) Visualization, operation and maintenance management, integration with new technologies such as the Internet of Things, deep integration with smart construction sites, and application in the railway field are current research hotspots; 5) Future research on BIM lightweight technology will focus on data fusion, sensors, and artificial intelligence.